Over 60 Sign Up For ‘Backyard Ultra’ Run Event
Run Bermuda’s Backyard, sponsored by Monument Re, will take place this Saturday 3rd December starting from Clearwater Beach field, Southside, St. David’s.
A spokesperson said, “At the closing date for entries over 60 people have signed up to run ‘just one more loop’ in the exciting Backyard Ultra format. Runners take on a 4.167 mile loop every hour on the hour, with any surplus time used for rest and recovery before beginning the next loop.
Race Organisers said “We’re delighted with the level of support for this first running of the event. That we have surpassed our expectations is testament to the strength of the Bermuda running community and the generous support of our sponsors, contributors, and the efforts of the organising team. We are particularly pleased to have runners planning to run a wide variety of distances, everything from one loop to a few people planning to go for 24 hours plus and vie to be the “last person standing” and Bermuda’s inaugural Backyard champion.”
“The day loop will provide runners with some of the most picturesque scenes in Bermuda, including a section through Coopers Island. At 5.00 pm, those runners left in the event begin the night loop, which takes place entirely on road for safety.
“Anyone hoping to catch some of the action and support the runners should visit the start / finish area adjacent to Sunjammers on Clearwater Beach field, Southside, St. David’s. Sunjammers concession will be open serving refreshments between 8.30am and 4.30 pm with the first loop starting at 9.00am.
“At the same time, organisers reminded supporters of one key rule. “Please feel free to come and support and help our local runners achieve their targeted loops but note the Backyard rules specify runners can only accept support between loops. Once crossing the start line each hour, runners can take supplies with them but are not allowed to accept food or drink from non-runners, or any runners who have withdrawn, until they complete the loop, so please don’t tempt them!”
“With some notable local ultra-runners in the field, and everyone running this format for the first time, the stage is set for an exciting first edition of the event and offers the prospect of Bermuda developing a team for the next Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, where 15 participants per country compete to run the most laps on aggregate as a nation. In the recent edition, two Belgian runners set a new world record, achieving the astonishing feat of 101 ‘yards’ each – over four days’ consecutive running.
“The Bermuda Backyard is raising funds for Raleigh Bermuda. Anyone wishing to donate to Raleigh Bermuda can do so through the “Donate” button here. The race is still recruiting for volunteers for a number of roles, and anyone interested can sign up online here or by emailing Bdabackyardultra@gmail.com
“Live updates from the event will be shared on Instagram – follow Bermuda_Backyard. For additional information please visit www.bermudabackyard.com or contact: bdabackyardultra@gmail.com.”
